by William Skink
We are starting to see a shift from the shaming campaigns to enforce social distancing to the alleged need of law enforcement to intervene. Two days ago the Billings Gazette reported that arrests are possible for “blatant violations”:
“Blatant and egregious” violations of social distancing and isolation requirements ordered by Montana and Yellowstone County health officials could lead to arrests or citations.
“I don’t want to prosecute any of my fellow residents for any of these violations,” said Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito during a Wednesday press conference. “But I took an oath to follow the law, and I will.”
These draconian steps only apply to people who live in houses, apartments and mobile homes. If you live in your vehicle, homeless camp or overcrowded emergency shelter, like the Poverello Center, you are exempt.
NBC Montana recently reported on a letter they received from a Missoula first responder, which you can read in full here. Here is a portion of what the first responder saw at the Poverello Center:
While responding to 1110 West Broadway, the Poverello Center here in Missoula, I observed several groups of men and women standing among the broken down vehicles that line the roadway. Clustered together sharing cigarettes and beverages. Some living in cars, others the sidewalk. Many tucked into doorways, many drinking openly.
As concerning as the exterior was, the interior was far more shocking. Interior hallways had multiple people in chairs, all sitting in close proximity to each other. The reception desk area itself was crowded with people. Well within the distancing recommendations of our health professionals. I was astonished to see a cafeteria/day area full of people. People laying on the floor, people sitting and standing, people eating, people everywhere.
Allowing people to congregate contradicts current public health safety recommendations and puts everyone at risk. First Responders already have limited supplies and personnel, situations like this put their ability to safely respond in danger. The shelter also allows intoxicated individuals, adding yet another safety issue to the First Responders. Hopefully this sheds some light on these issues and changes can be implemented.
I can only imagine the frustration first responders are experiencing as they see the incredibly dangerous conditions that our Governor apparently condones through his reckless exemption of the homeless.
When will Governor Bullock acknowledge that his big punt to overwhelmed municipalities on the homeless issue is putting people at risk, especially the people WE ALL RELY ON when we need emergency medical attention?
The Governor has used the massive power of the state to shut down local businesses under threat of fines and arrests. The justification for these serious actions that many people won’t bounce back from is to supposedly FLATTEN THE CURVE, right? And the reason to flatten the curve is to protect our health care workers, including first responders, right?
THEN WHY THE FUCK EXEMPT HOMELESS PEOPLE, GOVERNOR BULLOCK?
The Governor’s actions are reckless and will undermine the very thing he is willing to destroy local businesses to accomplish. Health care workers are already scared and facing retaliation for describing the dire conditions they are being forced to work in, so maybe the Governor can take that into consideration as he turns Montana into a police state.
Except for homeless people, because they’re exempt.